Counting mechanism



Feb. 6, 1940. K. c. sues COUNTING MECHANISM 1936 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Original Filed June 11 K. c. BUGG 2,189,392

COUNTING MECHANISM Original Filed June 11, 1936 2 SheetsSheet 2 Patented Feb. 6, 1940 PATENT OFFICE COUNTING MECHANISM Kenly C. 'Bng'g, Farmington, Mo., assignor to Neptune Meter Company, a corporation of New Jersey Origins 1 application June 11, 1936, Serial No. Divided and this application December 18,1937, Serial No. 180,526

13 Claims. (Cl. 235144) This invention relates to counting mechanism. Objects of the invention are to provide an improved counting mechanism including a units counting element mounted in cooperative rela- 5 tionship with associated counting elements, in

combination with engageable and releasable devices for frictionally engaging and rotating the units counting element when the actuating shaft therefor is turned in one direction in order to 10 rotate said units counting element by said shaft;

and to provide means for engaging said devices automatically and as an incident to rotation of the shaft in one direction and for releasing said devices to permit rotation of the shaft in the op- 5 posite direction while the units counting element remains stationary, together with means for controlling or operating the adjacent or tens counting element to effect transferring from the units 1 to the tens element.

i Another object of the invention is to provide a counting mechanism including a units counting element in combination with novel engageable and releasable actuating devices for operating the same in counting operations. and means for releasing the units counting .element from control by said actuating devices and for holding the units counting element in an unoperated or starting position during resetting of the associated counting elements.

W Other objects will be apparent from the following description, reference being made to the annexed drawings. in which- Flg. 1 is a view partlyin section and partly in elevation of a counting mechanism em 3' the present invention.

. Fig. 2 is a vertical cross-sectional-vie'w approximately on the line 2-2 of Fig. 1 showing the units counting element, the. actuating .devices therefor, and. thestop or retainer for stopping 4 and holding the units counting element in its zero or unoperated position when the units counting element has been reset after a counting operationthereof.

' Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view on the line H .45 of Fig. 1, showing the tens counting device and its relationship to the cooperative elements.

Fig, 4 is a view showing the position of the parts when the units counting element transfers to the tens counting element. Fig. 5 is a view showing the device for stopping the units counting element in zero position during a resetting operation and for permitting operation of the units counting element in a calculating operation.

The present application is a division of my prior application flied June 11, 1936, Serial No. 84,659, for Counting mechanism.-

The shaft I is rotatively mounted in supports 2 and 3 and, when rotated in counting operations,.rotates in the direction of the arrow 4. Said shaft is intended to be rotated by any appropriate device or mechanism which is-not herein shown or described because illustration and description thereof are unnecessary for an understanding of the invention.

Between the supports 2 and 3 a sleeve I is attached on the shaft I. so that said sleeve is always rotated when said shaft I is rotated. In the specific embodiment shown, a circumferential flange 6 is formed on the sleeve} and constitutes one member of a frictional operating device or locking clutch. Said flange constitutes one member of a frictional operating device or looking clutch when the'shaft I is turned in the direction of the arrow 4 and a sliding or slipping clutch member when the shaft I is turned in the opposite direction.

A. friction member 'I at the side of the flange 8 that is toward the support 3 is attached to a units counting element comprising an annular portion 8 and an inwardly extended portion 9 by detachable and replaceable fasteners l0 passing through the inwardly extended portion 9 and the member I and securing them in rigid relationship. The friction member 1 is loose enough upon the sleeve I so that, when the units counting element 8 31s held in its clear or zero position and the shaft I is rotated in the reverse direction from the arrow 4 in an operation to clear and reset all counting elements in their clear or zero positions, the sleeve 5 and the shaft I may continue to rotate in said reverse direction from the arrow 4. The other member II of the op erating device or locking clutch that cooperates with the flange 6 is screwed on a threaded portion of the sleeve 5 extending beyond the friction member I. A coiled spring I2 encircles the shaft land has one end attached to the member II and the opposite end attached to the shaft I, and the energy of said spring is exerted to screw 4 'the member II on and along the threaded portion of the sleeve 5 into engagement with the member 'I. The member I is thereby engaged frictionally between and with the flange 6 and the member I I; and this frictional engagement is enough to prevent any appreciable or objectionable relative movements between the shaft I and the units counting element 8 when said shaft I is turned in the direction of the arrow 4. Howevenwhentheunitscountingelem'litlisiniis zero or clear position and is held or locked against reverse rotation, the shaft I may be rotated in the reverse direction opposite from that indicated by the arrow 4 while the units counting element is held stationary and the counting elements in the respective higher denominational orders continue to turn toward their clear or zero positions. This is because the threads on the sleeve 5 run from the end of said sleeve toward the member I so that, when the shaft I and the sleeve 5 are turned in the direction of the arrow 4, the energy of said spring is utilized to hold the member II from turning with said sleeve 5, but functions to screw said member |I toward and against the member I; and, when the shaft I and sleeve 5 are turned in the opposite direction, the member II will be released and loosened from clamping engagement against the member I, This slight loosening of the member II is enough to permit continued reverse turning of the shaft I while the units counting element continues to be held stationary.

An angle bar frame member I3 is rigidly attached to the supports 2 and 3. A detent I4 has one end pivotally supported by the bar I3 and its opposite end pressed against the part 9 of the units counting element by a spring I5 having one end connected with said detent and the opposite end attached to the bar I3. The part 9 of the units counting element is formed with a hole I6 into which the free end of the detent I4 will be drawn and held by the spring |5 when the units counting element is in its clear or zero position. When the shaft I is turned in the direction of the arrow 4 in counting operations, the units counting element is turned therewith, as indicated by the arrows I! (Fig. 2) and the free end of the detent M will become disengaged from within the hole I6 and will press against the surface of the part 9 of the units counting element. This is because the free end of the detent I4 is formed with a cam I4 against which the rear wall of the hole I6 rubs and moves the detent I4 in opposition to the spring I5 when the units counting element is turned in the direction indicated by the arrows I'I. When the shaft I is turned in the opposite direction from that indicated by the arrow 4, the units counting element will be turned therewith in the direction of the arrow I8 (Fig. 2) until the detent |4 engages in and abuts against the end wall of the hole I6 and positively stops further reverse rotation of the units counting element with the shaft I. The relationship of the parts is such that the units counting element is stopped by the detent I4 from further reverse rotation when said units counting element is in its clear or zero position, as shown in the drawings.

The periphery of each counting element has thereon all of the digits from 0 through 1 to 9 for movement opposite and across sight openings or slots I 9 in an appropriate housing or casing 20 during counting operations. When all of the counting elements are in their clear or zero positions, each of said counting elements presents 0 at or opposite said sight openings I9.

In the present invention, the counting elements in higher denominational orders are supported and operated by like frictional and supporting operating devices, as fully disclosed in my said prior application. Said higher denominational counting elements and their supporting and operating devices are not herein claimed since they constitute a part of the invention claimed in said prior application.

The units counting element releases the detent 2| of the tens counting element for transfer from units to tens. A lever 22 (Figs. 2 and 4) has one end mounted on a. pivot 23 supported by the bar I3 and on its opposite end has a cam 24 pressing againstthe portion 9 of the units counting element. A link 25 has one end pivoted to the lever 22 and the opposite end pivoted to the detent 2| having one end pivoted to the bar I3 and the opposite end engaging the portion 21 of the tens counting element. In zero or clear position, the free end of the detent 2| engages in a hole 28 and positively prevents turning of the tens counting element in a counting or transferring operation until it is necessary to transfer from units to tens and advance the tens counting element from 0 to 1. position.

A spring 29 having one end engaged with the link 25 and the opposite end attached to the bar 3 holds the cam 24 of the lever 22 in the end portion of the detent 2| against the portions 9 and 21 of the units and tens counting elements respectively.

A cam 30 supported by the portion 9 of the units counting element moves against the cam 24 and thereby swings the lever 22 toward the tens counting element when the units counting element reaches its 9 position and, in passing from 9 position to 0 position, requires a transfer operation of the tens counting element. When the lever 22 is moved away from the units counting element by the cam 30 during rotation of the shaft I in the direction of the arrow 4, the link 25 disengages the detent 2| from the hole 28, and the frictional supporting and operating devices 3| that support the tens counting element will turn or advance the tens counting element one digital step. The relationship of the cams 24 and 30 is such that the detent 2| is released from the tens counting element at the proper time so that said tens counting element in a transfer movement may turn in synchronisrn with the units counting element while the units counting element is turning from 9 position to 0 position, and will then engage in the adjacent hole 32 which is one of a series of nine such holes.

This operation of releasing the detent 2| by the lever 22 is effected each time a transfer operation is required from units to'tens. The remaining mechanism that cooperates with the tens counting element is a part of the subject matter of my copending application hereinbefore identified and requires no further description herein.

This invention is capable of embodiment in many forms and may be varied widely within the scope of equivalent limits without departure from the nature and principle thereof.

I claim:

1. In a counter and registering mechanism, a

' rotary shaft, a sleeve attached to said shaft and having threads around one end portion thereof, a clamping flange rigid with said sleeve, a units counting element. a part in connection with said units counting element rotatively mounted on said sleeve at the side of said flange, a nut screwed on said threaded end of said sleeve and movable to position to clamp said part of said units counting element rigidly between said nut and said flange when said shaft is turned in one direction and movable to position to release said tion to clampsaidQpart-OfsaidfunitS countin units counting element when said flange is turned in the opposite direction and said units counting,

element is held from rotation, and means for stopping and holding said units counting element from rotation when said units counting element is turned to a predetermined position by rotation of said shaft in said opposite direction.

2. In a counter and registering mechanism, a rotary shaft, a sleeve attached to said shaft and having threads around one end portion thereof, a clamping flange rigid with said sleeve, a units counting element, a part in connection with said units counting element rotatively mounted on said sleeve at the side of said flange, a nut screwed on said threaded end of said sleeve and movable to position to clamp said part of s'aid units counting element rigidly between said. nut

and said flange when said shaft is turned in one direction and movable to position to release said units counting element when said flange is turned in the opposite direction and said units counting element is held from rotation, means for stopping and holding said units counting element from rotation when said units counting element is turned to a predetermined position by rotation of said shaft in said opposite direction, and a spring connecting said nut and said shaft and holding said nut in proper relationship on said sleeve.

3. In a counting mechanism, a rotary shaft, a sleeve attached to said shaft and having a clamping flange rigid therewith, a units counting element, a part in connection with said element rotatively mounted on said sleeve at one side of said flange, a member movably mounted on said sleeve for movement to and from positionto clamp said part of said units counting element between said member and said flange for rotation'by said shaft when said shaft is turned in one direction and movable to position to release said units counting element when said flange and.

said shaft are turned in the opposite direction and said units counting element is held;from* rotation by said shaft in said opposite direction and means for stopping and holding said'units' counting element from; rotation when said, units counting element is turned to a'predetermined position by rotation-of said'shaft in said opposite Y direction.

4. In a counting mechanism, la rotaryshaft, a

, friction member attached to said" shaft for rotation thereby, a unitscountingelement including a part extending. at one side of said friction 'member, a member 'movably' mountedfon said l friction member for'movementto"j-and -froni 'posi element against'said friction-member. for rota tion-by said shaft [when said shaft is turned in one direction and movable to position to release said second memherwhen said shaft is turned in the opposite direction, and means for holding said units counting element positively from rotation by said members when said members" are turned in said opposite direction as aforesaid.

5. In a counting mechanism, a rotary shaft, a units counting element, devices supported by said shaft and-movable to position to rotate said unit's counting element with said shaft and also movable to position tospermit said shaft-to rotate while said units counting element remains stationary, and means for controlling said devices to rotate said units counting element with beyond its clear position during rotation of said shaft in the opposite direction.

7. In a counting mechanism, a shaft supported for rotation in one direction for counting operations and in the opposite direction for return movements to. a zero position, 2. units counting element having a starting or zero position, frictional clutch devices supported by said shaft supporting said counting element from radial and lateral movement and rotating said counting element with said shaft in counting operations in one direction and with said shaft in the opposite direction to the starting'or zero position of said counting element, and means for holding said units counting'element from rotation during further rotation of said shaft in said opposite direction after said units countin element has reached said starting or zero position.

g 8. In a counting mechanism, a shaft supported for rotation in one direction for counting operations and in the opposite direction for return movements to a zero position, 9. units counting element having a starting orzero position, frictional clutch devicessupported by said shaft supporting saidcounting elementf from radial and lateral movement and rotating] said counting element withsaid shaft in counting operations in one direction and with said shaft in the opposite directiontojthe starting or. zeroposition of said'countingelement, and means for engaging ;,an d"h olding said units counting element from rotation during further rotation of said shaft in said opposite, direction after saidunits counting element has reached said starting or zero position.

'9. In a counting mechanism, a shaft supported for rotation inopposite directions, 9. units counting element concentric about saidshaft, and frictionalclutch devices supported by, said shaft supportingsaid counting element'from radial and lateral movement and rotatingsaid counting element withsaid shaft during rotation of said shaft ,one direction in counting operations and in ment reaches zero position.

, 10. In acountingmechanism, ashaft supported for rotation in opposite directions, a units counting element; concentric about said shaft, frictionalclutch devices supported by said shaft supporting said counting element from radial and lateral movement and rotating said counting element with said shaft during rotation of said shaft in one direction in counting operations and in the opposite direction until said units counting element reaches zero position, and means for stopping said units counting element in said zero position.

11. In a counting mechanism, a shaft supported for rotation in opposite directions, a units counting element concentric about said shaft, frictional clutch devices supported by said shaft supporting said counting element from radial and lateral movement and rotating said counthe; opposite direction until'said counting ing element with said shaft during rotation of said shaft in one direction in counting operations and in the opposite direction until said units counting element reaches zero position, and means for releasing said clutch devices from said units counting element and for stopping and holding said units counting element in said zero or starting position during further rotation of said shaft in said opposite direction.

12. In a counting mechanism, a shaft rotatable in counting and resetting directions, a counting element associated with said shaft, means for operatively connecting said counting element to said shaft comprising a member fixed to said shaft and a second member threadably mounted for rotary movement relative to said shaft toward and away from said first mentioned member, said counting element having a portion thereof interposed between said first and second members, and means for biasing said second member for rotary movement in a direction toward said first mentioned member to establish a driving connection with said counting element, whereby said counting element may be driven in counting and resetting directions by rotation of said shaft.

13. In a counting mechanism, a shaft rotatable in counting and resetting directions, a counting element associated with said shaft, means for stopping said counting element at zero position during a resetting movement, means for operatively connecting said counting element to said shaft comprising a member fixed to said shaft adjacent said counting element, a second member threadably mounted with respect to said shaft for movement toward and away from the 

